Injury rules out Siddle for Essex

Essex's plans for their Friends Life t20 campaign have been disrupted by the news that a back problem will prevent Peter Siddle, the Australia fast bowler, from fulfilling his contract as one of their overseas players.

Siddle recently flew home from Australia's tour of West Indies, after playing in the first Test, due to "back stiffness". He had been due to join up with Essex for the FLt20, which begins in June, but they have now been informed that Siddle will require a month of rest before embarking on a rehabilitation programme that will prevent him from turning out in the competition.

"We are very disappointed Peter can't make it to Essex following his injury," Paul Grayson, Essex's head coach, said. "We understand that when we sign any overseas player that there is a risk of an injury or international duty so we now have to look at other options with a Plan B for another overseas bowler."

Essex, who last week secured the services of New Zealand international James Franklin as their second overseas player, will now examine the availability of potential replacements for Siddle.